(WASHINGTON, D.C., 12/20/05) - A prominent national Islamic civil rights and advocacy group today issued a travel advisory for Muslim citizens who will be attending a conference in Canada this weekend or participating in the upcoming Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. (The Hajj will take place in the second week of January. Some 10,000 American Muslims go on Hajj each year.)

The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is concerned that American Muslim travelers returning to the United States will be singled out by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials for special security checks and fingerprinting based solely on their attendance at both religious events.

CAIR created a “Civil Rights Hotline” (1-800-784-7526) and a downloadable border incident report form for those who believe their constitutional rights have been violated by CBP personnel.

Last year, dozens of American Muslim citizens said they were targeted for security checks, fingerprinting and photographs based on their attendance at an Islamic conference in Canada. Many American Muslims will attend that same conference this year.

SEE: “American Muslims Sue DHS Over Border Detentions”

SEE ALSO: “NYCLU Seeks Court Order Against Conference-Related Searches”

“Americans of all faiths should be free to travel without fear of being singled out based solely on their religious practices or associations,” said CAIR Legal Director Arsalan Iftikhar.

He said anyone who believes their constitutional rights have been violated is urged to call CAIR’s hotline at 1-800-784-7526. During business hours, the hotline number rolls over to CAIR’s Washington, D.C., switchboard. After hours, a recording will give cell phone numbers for CAIR civil rights staff. CAIR’s Civil Rights Department may also be reached by e-mailing: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). (CAIR’s “Your Rights and Responsibilities as an American Muslim” pocket guide will also be distributed at the Toronto conference.)

FOR BACKGROUND, SEE: “U.S. Muslims to Leave for Hajj”

CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties group, has 31 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.